Good evening, Arsenal fans. Here are your evening headlines for Saturday, October 24.
Aubameyang backs Partey to make a big impact at Arsenal
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang believes Thomas Partey will be a fantastic source of experience for Arsenal’s young players.
The 27-year-old moved to the Emirates Stadium on the final day of the transfer window after protracted negotiations with Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal eventually triggered the player’s release clause and he drew plaudits on his full debut against Rapid Vienna on Thursday.
And while he has set a strong early impression on the field, Aubameyang has also been impressed with Partey’s influence around the training ground.
“Thomas has been great since joining the club,” said Aubameyang.
“He has integrated so well in the squad. He is kind, calm and smiley. On the pitch, we have seen already seen what he will bring us in matches.
“My family is from Gabon but I also have some roots in Ghana where Thomas is from so we are family too!
“It is good for some of our younger players as well to have a player like him, of his calibre at training. They will learn a lot from him.”
De Bruyne's tip-off gives Arsenal transfer focus
Arsenal fans heralded the signing of Partey this summer, but they had to admit a tinge of disappointment that the club did not sign Houssem Aouar.
The French midfielder was a key target for the Gunners, but they failed to reach an agreement with Lyon for his services.
Mikel Arteta is still keen to shape the squad in his image, and Aouar remains a target.
Now, George Smith has written about Kevin De Bruyne and why his subtle tip-off has shown Arsenal who they must sign.
You can read that piece here.
Saliba reveals how he’s overcome the language barrier
William Saliba has hailed the impact of Alexandre Lacazette and club captain Aubameyang for helping him overcome the language barrier at Arsenal.
The 19-year-old signed for the Gunners last summer but remained on loan at Saint-Etienne for the entirety of last season.
Saliba has now linked up with his Arsenal teammates but he has endured an uncertain summer during which he was linked with a temporary move away from the club.
Speaking to Ian Wright during an interview with Adidas, Saliba was asked if the presence of French speakers has helped ease his transition to life in England.
“Yes it’s very good because I don’t speak good English at the moment,” he said. “When I don’t understand something, Auba, Laca and the coach help me. It is a big dream [to play for Arsenal].
"It was a big dream becoming a reality for me. ‘[Mikel Arteta] is very positive. Sometimes he would send me a message when I was at Saint-Etienne. So it’s good.”
